Social Security Retirement Benefits in 2025
Planning your retirement with Social Security in 2025? This guide covers everything you need: eligibility, when to claim (62, Full Retirement Age, or 70), how benefits are calculated, and what’s new this year (like the Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or COLA). With tables, charts, and tips, we’ll help you maximize your payout—whether you’re retiring early or delaying for bigger checks.
Who’s Eligible?
You qualify for Social Security retirement benefits if you:
- Are at least 62 (earliest claiming age).
- Have earned 40 work credits—about 10 years of work (in 2025, $1,730 in earnings = 1 credit, max 4/year).
- Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a valid SSN.
Example: Sarah, 63, worked 15 years, earning 60 credits. She’s eligible and claims $1,800/month at her FRA in 2025.
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA)
FRA is when you get 100% of your benefit, based on your birth year. Claim earlier, and it’s reduced; delay past FRA, and it grows. Here’s the 2025 FRA table:
| Birth Year | Full Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 1943–1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 + 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 + 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 + 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 + 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 + 10 months |
| 1960 or later | 67 |
Watch this video to learn more about planning your retirement benefits!
Tip: Born in 1960? Your FRA is 67 in 2027, but you can claim at 62 in 2025 with a reduced benefit.
When to Claim: 62, FRA, or 70?
Your claiming age affects your monthly payout. Here’s how it works:
- Age 62: Earliest option—benefit reduced by ~30% if FRA is 67.
- FRA: Full benefit, no reduction or increase.
- Age 70: Delayed credits add 8%/year past FRA (up to 24-32% more).
Benefit Impact by Claiming Age (FRA = 67)
Chart: % of FRA benefit (e.g., $2,000 at FRA = $1,400 at 62, $2,480 at 70).
Example: Tom’s FRA benefit is $2,000. At 62, he gets $1,400; at 70, $2,480.
How Benefits Are Calculated
Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings, or AIME), then run through a formula:
- First $1,174 of AIME: 90%
- $1,174–$7,078: 32%
- Over $7,078: 15%
2025 Max: $4,018/month at FRA (up from $3,822 in 2024 due to COLA). Check your estimate at My SSA.
Example: Maria’s AIME is $5,000. Her benefit: (90% of $1,174) + (32% of $3,826) = $1,056 + $1,224 = $2,280 at FRA.
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
The 2025 COLA is projected at 2.5% (finalized October 2024), increasing benefits to keep up with inflation. Historical COLA:
| Year | COLA % |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1.3% |
| 2022 | 5.9% |
| 2023 | 8.7% |
| 2024 | 3.2% |
| 2025 | 2.5% (projected) |
Impact: A $2,000 benefit in 2024 rises to $2,050 in 2025 with 2.5% COLA.
Benefit Examples in 2025
| Profile | FRA Benefit | Age 62 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Earner (AIME $2,000) | $1,200 | $840 | $1,488 |
| Average Earner (AIME $5,000) | $2,280 | $1,596 | $2,827 |
| High Earner (AIME $10,000) | $4,018 | $2,813 | $4,982 |
Note: High earners hit the max benefit cap ($4,018 at FRA in 2025).
Should You Work While Claiming?
Before FRA, earnings above $22,320 (2025 limit) reduce benefits ($1 cut per $2 over). At FRA, no limit applies. After FRA, work boosts your record if among your top 35 years.
Example: Lisa, 63, earns $30,000 in 2025. Excess $7,680 cuts her benefit by $3,840/year until FRA.
2025 Updates
- COLA: 2.5% increase projected—check SSA.gov in October 2024.
- Earnings Test: Limit rises to $22,320 (pre-FRA).
- Online Tools: My SSA now offers benefit calculators with 2025 projections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I claim benefits?
Depends on health, savings, and goals. Early (62) for immediate needs; delay (70) for max payout if you can wait.
Can I undo my claim?
Yes, within 12 months—repay benefits received (details).
Will benefits run out?
No—trust fund issues may cut benefits post-2035, but Congress is expected to act.
More? Visit our FAQ.
Start Planning
Get your personalized estimate and apply at My SSA.
Need Help?
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office. Learn more at SSA.gov.